Metal-IG leader openly addresses VW's controversial act - "uncomfortably"
In a significant move last year, Volkswagen (VW) announced a drastic austerity plan, including job cuts, plant closures, and a series of cost-cutting measures. The planned job cuts in September 2024, referred to as a "taboo break," have left many employees feeling uneasy, with trust remaining shaken.
The VW location in Osnabrück, employing approximately 2,300 people, is a crucial part of the region and contributes significantly to VW's economic success. The survival of the Osnabrück plant is considered a success for IG Metall, the powerful German metalworkers' union.
Thorsten Gröger, the current IG Metall district leader responsible for the VW site in Osnabrück, has been vocal about the upcoming job cuts. He mentioned the largest investment activity in the history of VW, but emphasised that the collective bargaining agreement is not just about money. Groger's three clear demands include tax incentives for electric car purchases, affordable electricity prices, and cyclical impulses for small and medium incomes.
Groger considers the collective bargaining agreement a success due to job security, location maintenance, and VW's promise to invest in locations. However, he also acknowledges that the effects of these job cuts will be particularly noticeable in Wolfsburg, VW's home town.
The role of politics is important in the upcoming collective bargaining. IG Metall has drawn clear red lines, including no dismissals due to operational reasons and no cuts in monthly salaries. VW initially wanted to enforce a blanket 10 percent wage cut, but this was prevented by IG Metall.
Looking ahead, around 35,000 jobs are expected to be cut at VW in the coming years. The new realities are gradually becoming apparent to many VW employees, and the mood among them is turning. The next round of collective bargaining in 2026 could potentially lead to a new conflict.
The survival of the Osnabrück plant is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the importance of job security for workers. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that both employers and employees work together to ensure a sustainable future for all involved.
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